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Seminoles' Smith has stellar starting debut

By Brad Milner | News Herald Writer

Published: Sunday, September 22, 2013 at 01:03 AM.

“He’s developing and getting a lot better in practice,” Fisher said. “He made some plays.”

Smith said he’s learned from Jones and fellow starter Telvin Smith, who turned the early momentum with the interception return for a touchdown. Terrance Smith said the play helped FSU’s defense calm down after admittedly pressing on the first series.

“We’ve been starting out slow the past couple games,” Terrance Smith said. “We settled down and made our corrections and that helped me get into a rhythm.”

Demonte McAllister also made his first start at defensive end after Eddie Goldman also was suspended for an unspecified violation of team rules. McAllister and DeMarcus Walker both started, the latter replacing the injured Mario Edwards Jr. (hand). The duo couldn’t get traction with McAllister finishing with one tackle and Walker three while also extending the defensive line’s drought of three games without a sack.

Smith provided plenty of pressure by himself in showcasing the diversity of Jeremy Pruitt’s defensive scheme. Another young linebacker, Matthew Thomas, also was sent on blitz packages as was defensive back Jalen Ramsey with both recording sacks.

Smith’s impressive showing mirrored that of running back Karlos Williams against Nevada, as he rushed for a team-high 110 yards. Smith led all tacklers in his debut with the first team.

“I didn’t envision starting out that hot,” he said. “I just got into the flow of the game.”

TALLAHASSEE – Terrance Smith made the most of his opportunity Saturday.

The FSU sophomore linebacker made his first career start in place of the suspended Christian Jones and performed well in the new role. Smith was a bright spot on defense, the unit otherwise sluggish at the start and uninspired in spots during the Seminoles’ 54-6 blowout of Bethune-Cookman.

Smith made an immediate impact on the first series of the game with a career-high five tackles, including one for loss, and a sack. The sack, for a loss of eight yards, came before FSU opened the scoring with an interception return.

Smith finished the first half with eight tackles and had a team-high 12 for the game. Jones had 13 in the first two games of the season as the starter at middle linebacker. Smith had two tackles in limited duty before Saturday’s start.

“I wanted to show the people what I could do,” Smith said. “I’d say 12 tackles and a sack is pretty good for a first start.”

The understatement was a sign of depth at a position that has struggled in recent seasons with finding more playmakers than just the starters. The breakout performance likely will net Smith more time in the rotation. Jones is expected back for next week’s game at Boston College, as FSU coach Jimbo Fisher said his issues have been addressed.

Fisher noted how Smith has steadily improved as a backup.

“He’s developing and getting a lot better in practice,” Fisher said. “He made some plays.”

Smith said he’s learned from Jones and fellow starter Telvin Smith, who turned the early momentum with the interception return for a touchdown. Terrance Smith said the play helped FSU’s defense calm down after admittedly pressing on the first series.

“We’ve been starting out slow the past couple games,” Terrance Smith said. “We settled down and made our corrections and that helped me get into a rhythm.”

Demonte McAllister also made his first start at defensive end after Eddie Goldman also was suspended for an unspecified violation of team rules. McAllister and DeMarcus Walker both started, the latter replacing the injured Mario Edwards Jr. (hand). The duo couldn’t get traction with McAllister finishing with one tackle and Walker three while also extending the defensive line’s drought of three games without a sack.

Smith provided plenty of pressure by himself in showcasing the diversity of Jeremy Pruitt’s defensive scheme. Another young linebacker, Matthew Thomas, also was sent on blitz packages as was defensive back Jalen Ramsey with both recording sacks.

Smith’s impressive showing mirrored that of running back Karlos Williams against Nevada, as he rushed for a team-high 110 yards. Smith led all tacklers in his debut with the first team.

“I didn’t envision starting out that hot,” he said. “I just got into the flow of the game.”

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